On May 4, 2021, around 11 p.m. in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, 16-year-old Xzorian Gray was found in the driver’s seat of his vehicle with a gunshot wound to the head after gunfire erupted near Fosters Ferry Road and 21st Street. A female passenger was also shot and survived. Xzorian, known as X to friends and family, was taken to DCH Regional Medical Center where he died.

Reports say a confrontation escalated earlier that night when multiple people began shooting at Xzorian’s car. An eyewitness account describes the vehicle speeding away, being overtaken at a red light, and Xzorian—unarmed—attempting to talk to the assailants before being shot at point-blank range. Two suspects were arrested: 22-year-old JaShon Griffin and 17-year-old Johnneius Wilson, each charged with capital murder and attempted murder; both were held in the Tuscaloosa County Jail without bond. Wilson was reportedly out on bond on an earlier murder charge from June 2020 at the time of this killing.

The investigation was said to be ongoing and authorities were seeking other persons of interest. If anyone knew Xzorian or has information about the shooting that could help the investigation, please come forward.